<b>1. The 49ers-Seahawks burgeoning rivalry</b>
The games between these two teams could take over the NFL, just like the 49ers-Cowboys clashes of the early 1990′s. Young quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick could be dueling each other for a decade. This year, the better of these two teams just might win the Super Bowl. less

<b>1. The 49ers-Seahawks burgeoning rivalry</b>
The games between these two teams could take over the NFL, just like the 49ers-Cowboys clashes of the early 1990′s. Young quarterbacks Russell Wilson and ... more

Photo: John Froschauer / Associated Press

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<b>2. What kind of offense will the 49ers run?</b>
The read-option is the new rage. It’s been installed by former Oregon coach Chip Kelly in Philadelphia, Robert Griffin III runs a good dose of it in Washington, and Wilson does the same in Seattle. Colin Kaepernick can run it too. The question is, how much will the 49ers use it? less

<b>2. What kind of offense will the 49ers run?</b>
The read-option is the new rage. It’s been installed by former Oregon coach Chip Kelly in Philadelphia, Robert Griffin III runs a good dose of it in ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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<b>3. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick continues to draw attention</b>
The poster boy recently landed on the cover of GQ, showing off his toned torso. But with all those eyeballs on him, can Kaepernick become the 49ers’ next transcendent quarterback? less

<b>3. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick continues to draw attention</b>
The poster boy recently landed on the cover of GQ, showing off his toned torso. But with all those eyeballs on him, can Kaepernick become ... more

Photo: Luanne Dietz / The Chronicle

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<b>4. The wide receiver position is wide open behind sure-fire starter Anquan Boldin</b>
The question is who will emerge. Kyle Williams, who is coming off of knee surgery and still looking to become a starter? Austin Collie, who is looking to revive his career after four concussions? Quinton Patton, a promising rookie who has been sidelined with a injured finger? Diminutive free-agent Chad Hall perhaps? Former first-rounder Jon Baldwin, who is eager for redemption? less

<b>4. The wide receiver position is wide open behind sure-fire starter Anquan Boldin</b>
The question is who will emerge. Kyle Williams, who is coming off of knee surgery and still looking to become a ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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<b>5. Can Frank Gore still be the running game’s bell cow?</b>
Players joke about how slow Gore is now that he is entering his eighth season. However, even if Gore couldn’t catch a 12-year-old, he’s the Yoda of running backs with his divine vision and ability to run so low he can magically make yards when none exist. less

<b>5. Can Frank Gore still be the running game’s bell cow?</b>
Players joke about how slow Gore is now that he is entering his eighth season. However, even if Gore couldn’t catch a 12-year-old, he’s ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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<b>6. Can Nnamdi Asomugha still be effective?</b>
Once considered the best cover corner in the NFL, the former Eagle, Raider and Berkeley Bear has been impressive in training camp. But does he still have the speed on his aging pins to be effective? less

<b>6. Can Nnamdi Asomugha still be effective?</b>
Once considered the best cover corner in the NFL, the former Eagle, Raider and Berkeley Bear has been impressive in training camp. But does he still have ... more

Photo: Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle

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<b>7. Can rookie tight end Vance McDonald make 49ers fans forget about Delanie Walker?</b>
McDonald is transforming from a 265-pound wide receiver out of Rice to an NFL tight end. Walker was also a college wide receiver before he established himself at tight end and then took off to sign a lucrative free-agent deal in Tennessee. McDonald’s early reviews are glowing. less

<b>7. Can rookie tight end Vance McDonald make 49ers fans forget about Delanie Walker?</b>
McDonald is transforming from a 265-pound wide receiver out of Rice to an NFL tight end. Walker was also a ... more

Photo: John Storey / Special to the Chronicle

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<b>8. Can Aldon Smith shatter more sack records?</b>
Smith challenged the single season sack record last year and has already collected more sacks in his first two seasons than anyone in NFL history. Now with his shoulder healed, Smith might be ready to resume his sack attack. less

<b>8. Can Aldon Smith shatter more sack records?</b>
Smith challenged the single season sack record last year and has already collected more sacks in his first two seasons than anyone in NFL history. Now ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

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<b>9. Can kicker Phil Dawson become the 2011 David Akers?</b>
Akers set the record for most field goals in a NFL season that year. The 49ers might not want this, because it means they wouldn’t be scoring touchdowns. However, with a pair of drilled 55-yard field goals in Kansas City, Dawson could rectify the 49ers’ woeful place-kicking from last season. less

<b>9. Can kicker Phil Dawson become the 2011 David Akers?</b>
Akers set the record for most field goals in a NFL season that year. The 49ers might not want this, because it means they wouldn’t be ... more

Photo: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images

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<b>10. Will Aldon Smith rocking the Jheri curl hairstyle revive an old look?</b>
Basketballer Michael Cage and the late funk stylist Rick James might want to step aside. Smith is taking a daring fashion stance with his new ‘do and others may follow. less

<b>10. Will Aldon Smith rocking the Jheri curl hairstyle revive an old look?</b>
Basketballer Michael Cage and the late funk stylist Rick James might want to step aside. Smith is taking a daring fashion ... more